The Federal Government has cleared 271 Nigerians in South Africa to return home under a third government-arranged special repatriation flight scheduled to depart from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, on Friday, July 3, as xenophobic violence and anti-foreigner protests continue to spread across parts of the country.
The development underscores growing fears among African migrants following renewed hostility against foreign nationals, forcing many Nigerians to abandon their livelihoods and seek refuge back home.
The announcement was contained in a public notice jointly issued by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg.
According to the notice signed by Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Mrs. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, all approved returnees are required to report at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, for onward transportation to the airport.
The diplomatic missions disclosed that buses arranged by the Nigerian government would convey the evacuees to the airport, stressing that participation in the official transport arrangement is mandatory to guarantee their safety and facilitate access to a specially restricted processing area designated for the emergency departure.
“All those on the list are to assemble to depart for the Airport by buses organized by the Missions. This is to ensure safe passage and access to the special restricted area of the Airport, where our nationals will be processed for departure,” the notice stated.
The missions warned that any passenger who fails to join the official convoy would be denied entry into the restricted section established for the evacuation exercise.
Prospective returnees were further instructed to present their screening clearance certificates alongside every other document submitted during the verification process.
Authorities also assured passengers that Emergency Travel Certificates would be issued free of charge at the airport to facilitate a seamless journey home.
The Nigerian government outlined strict baggage regulations for the evacuation exercise, permitting adult passengers two checked bags weighing a maximum of 23 kilograms each, one carry-on bag not exceeding seven kilograms, and one personal item such as a handbag or backpack.
Minors are entitled to identical baggage privileges, with additional allowances for infant strollers, cots and child safety seats.
The latest evacuation exercise comes amid an upsurge in anti-immigration demonstrations and vigilante campaigns targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, with protesters demanding the removal of undocumented migrants and accusing foreigners of contributing to crime and unemployment.
The unrest has revived painful memories of previous xenophobic attacks that claimed lives, destroyed businesses and strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
The Federal Government appealed to Nigerians still residing in the country to remain calm, patient and law-abiding while awaiting further arrangements for voluntary repatriation.
It cautioned citizens against any involvement in criminal activities capable of tarnishing Nigeria’s image abroad.
“We continue to implore all our nationals to remain patient, calm, stay safe and be law-abiding, by staying away from crime and criminals, in order to uphold and protect the good name of our beloved country, Nigeria,” the statement read.
The diplomatic missions also assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to protecting their welfare irrespective of their location.
“Please rest assured that your government cares deeply about you, and the High Commission and the Consulate General will not relent in our duty to protect you and look out for your welfare at all times,” the notice added.
Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) commended the Federal Government for sustaining the voluntary repatriation programme and praised the Nigerian diplomatic missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg for what it described as a humane response to the plight of stranded citizens.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, the organisation lauded the government’s continued intervention.
“NUSA sincerely appreciates the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria in smoothly assisting distressed Nigerians by organizing voluntary, ongoing flights back home,” Olunloyo said.
The union further commended the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate General for providing temporary shelter and food assistance to vulnerable Nigerians awaiting evacuation.
“Their humanitarian support, providing shelter and food, shows a heartfelt commitment to helping displaced Nigerians in South Africa,” he added.
However, NUSA urged Abuja to expand the evacuation programme, warning that many more Nigerians remain trapped in the crisis and are eager to return home.
“Given that xenophobic tensions continue to cause cycles of unrest and vigilantism, we kindly urge the Nigerian government to consider expanding the repatriation programme, as more than 100 Nigerians are eager to return to their communities in Nigeria and find safety and stability,” Olunloyo stated.
The fresh evacuation exercise represents yet another chapter in the recurring tragedy of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where thousands of African migrants have repeatedly found themselves at the centre of social and political tensions despite their contributions to the country’s economy and development.